The 55th Annual Miss International Beauty Pageantwas held almost two weeks ago on November 5th at the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa in Tokyo Japan. The winner was Venezuela's Edymar Martinez. Edymar is 20 years old, stands 5' 10" tall and competed as "Miss Anzoategui" in the Miss Venezuela 2014 pageant where she placed 2nd and became "Miss Venezuela International" as a result...

Edymar beat out 69 other beauties from all over the world. The Miss International Beauty Pageant is considered one of the Top Four Grand Slam International Beauty Pageants among pageant fans--Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss Earth round out the others. She was a top favorite to win the crown and by winning, she garnered the SEVENTH Miss International title for her country.

Pageant Cape Queen: Traditionally, the winner of "Miss International" gets draped in a fabulous cape a la "Queen Elizabeth". it used to be trimmed in ermine (not sure if it was real or faux), but now it looks like its been more "PC"-replaced with sequin applique.

Costume Bird Sexy: "Miss Venezuela" Edymar Martinez at the Miss International 2015 in her national costume, inspired by the country's national bird, the troupial or turpial.

Perfect Body: Edymar won the "Miss Perfect Body" sash in addition to getting the top crown.

Gown Bella: As "Miss Anzoategui", during the "Miss Venezuela 2014" pageant last October, Edymar looked amazing during the Evening Gown portion wearing this incredible Hugo Espina-designed gown (photos above)--This gown had 17,000 hand-sewn crystals and was one of my favorites of that pageant

Speaking of Evening Gowns, time to discuss the Top Five of Miss International 2015:

Ivory Sequined Couture: "Miss Venezuela" Edymar Martinez wore an ivory tulle gown designed by Venezuelan pageant gown designer Hugo Espina(who also designed the gown she wore at the "Miss Venezuela 2014" pageant where she came in 2nd. The gown featured an open neckline covered in nude mesh, "bell" sleeves, a satin waist tie, straight silhouette with long dramatic train. I thought it was gorgeous. It was very impacting on Edymar and showcased her Hollywood Red Carpet-looking image. If I had any complaint, it would be those bell-shaped sleeves; not sure if it was necessary to add those. But other than this, I thought this was a very intricate and almost Couture-worthy gown.

First Runner-up Miss Honduras Jennifer Valle: Jennifer wore a column tulle gown covered in multicolored sequins and crystals. I liked this gown. It was Pageant-pretty and quite expensive-looking. I was impressed at the gown quality level, especially from "Miss Honduras", whose contestants may not be known as an Evening Gown "powerhouse" of a pageant nation. Let's just say this a major gown improvement from what they have worn in past international beauty pageants.

2nd Runner-up Miss Kenya Eunice Onyango: First of all, a major Congratulations to Miss Kenya International, Eunice Onyango. And more importantly, a big step for the Miss International organization. For years, there was talk of racism and bigotry, toward the African beauties competing for Miss International; many GORGEOUS African contestants were being passed over and overlooked at Miss International, which lead many a pageant fan to dismiss the pageant as slightly racist. They were very well aware of this and so it is a nice step for Miss International to acknowledge the beautiful Miss Kenya and give her a proper position. Let's hope this continues forward. In terms of her gown, it was nice. I liked the lipstick red color and the shape highlighted her fabulous figure. I especially loved her gold arm cuffs as accessories.

3rd Runner-up Miss Vietnam Pham Hong Thuy Van: LOVED this strapless ball gown on Miss Vietnam. It was so Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week. Not sure who designed and who is running the Miss Vietnam International Organization but in terms of her Styling Team, continue what you are doing! She looks like an actress on the Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet: Beautiful.

4th Runner-up Miss USA Lindsay Becker: Well done for the USA representative at this year's "Miss International". Lindsay wore a red gown with red sequin neckline detail and a very expansive train. I think it was smart to not "cloud" the gown with any more sequins or details. She was definitely "the Lady in Red"...and fabulous.
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